Research Interests

I use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system to study seizure disorders. The Drosophila “bang-sensitive” (BS) mutants respond to mechanical shock with a behavior that is physiologically similar to the seizures of mammals. The wealth of genetic tools available in flies and their sequenced genome makes Drosophila an excellent model system to dissect the genetics underlying seizure sensitivity.

Our lab focuses on the julius seizure (jus) gene, which encodes an novel transmembrane protein that is expressed on neuronal axons. Mutations in jus cause bang-sensitivity, yet the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. Starting from this point, we are currently tackling two projects. First, we have found a link between jus and insulin signaling–an interesting finding, given that diabetes and hyperglycemia can induce seizures in humans. Mutations in dfoxo, a component of the insulin pathway, block the seizures of jusiso7.8 mutants. dfoxo encodes a Forkhead transcription factor that is upregulated under poor dietary conditions, and the genes that it targets have been uncovered in genomic studies by other labs. Using these findings as a point of information, we intend to identify the steps before and after dFOXO activity that act to modulate seizure sensitivity.

Second, we are conducting a broader based genetic screen for genes that suppress or enhance the jus phenotype. jusiso7.8 mutants are being crossed to a series of fly lines that carry defined deletions in their genomes. If a deletion suppresses or enhances the jus phenotype, we will investigate each of the individual genes that were deleted to see which one is responsible for modulating bang-sensitivity, what tissue it acts in, and at what point in the life cycle.

Curriculum Development

I also am very interested in developing the laboratory program at the Biology Department. Some of the more successful laboratory modules and teaching aides that we have developed will be made freely available to the academic community (see Educational Resources below). Comments, requests, and suggestions are most welcome.